Eau Claire’s growth leads to greater strain on budget plans

Eau Claire (WQOW) – The city has run into some financial frustrations. The Eau Claire City Council has spent the past few months holding work session to balance the books.

According to Finance Director Jay Winzenz, departments like Public Works, Parks and Rec., and Police and Fire have said they need more resources to counter Eau Claire’s rapid growth. City officials have found there simply isn’t enough money to balance the budget and fund every request.

“Each one of our employees is being asked to do more and more and we’re trying to keep up, but we’re finding that increasingly difficult,” Winzenz said.

City Council Member Emily Anderson told News 18 their goal for the future is to continue to provide a high level of those services to the citizens in Eau Claire.

The City Council is holding another work session to offer possible amendments to the proposed budget Thursday. A public hearing will be held November 26th.